The 3rd Yoga Retreat for 2022 was once again organized in an otherworldly landscape: Cappadocia. During these six days, from October 25th to 30th, we walked through space and time, deep into the heart of the East, surrounded by strong elements of Hellenism and Orthodoxy. It was a fairytale retreat, set against a backdrop of volcanic rock formations, open-air museums, caves, underground cities, ceramics, historic churches, Whirling Dervishes, and picturesque villages. We also fulfilled a childhood dream by riding a hot air balloon—experiencing the entire ritual from 5:00 AM with the inflation, the flight during a breathtaking sunrise, and the small celebration upon landing.
Our itinerary was rich with images, scents, and yoga practices in extraordinary locations, such as the Red Valley at sunset and the courtyard of a Dervish Caravanserai (Han)—a truly soul-stirring experience.
This is how I dreamed of and lived my own Cappadocia.
You feel as if you are someone special on a magic carpet, lost through the centuries. Intense aromas, deep in the East with a magical energy; you feel as though you will vanish from reality and return to a time when this land belonged to the Greeks. Perhaps the genie hears the hearts of the Greeks beating loudly, and that is why being here evokes such a strong sense of the Greek element.
It feels as if you are elevating the 5 Niyamas: Purity (Saucha), Contentment (Santosha), Self-study (Svadhyaya), Discipline/Devotion (Tapas), and Surrender to the Divine/Transcendence of the Ego (Ishvarapranidhana).
And what remains with me are the 7 pieces of advice from Mevlana (Rumi):
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In generosity and helping others, be like running water.
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In compassion and grace, be like the sun.
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In concealing others’ faults, be like the night.
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In anger and fury, be like the dead.
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In modesty and humility, be like the earth.
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In tolerance, be like the sea.
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Either appear as you are, or be as you appear.
Mevlana Celadin-I RUMI(1207-1273)
Highlights:
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Fulfilling a childhood dream with a hot air balloon flight and a jeep safari.
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Yoga for the first time in Turkish history at Saruhan Caravanserai, the historic 1249 AD Dervish Han.
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Sunset yoga in the Red Valley.
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Visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum.
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Visit to the underground city of Derinkuyu (Malakopi).
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Authentic Whirling Dervishes performance.
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Exploration of the Ihlara Valley.
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Traditional Hamam experience.
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Visit to the Mevlana Museum in Konya.
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Visit to the Urgup Fortress (Akropoliteia).
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Horseback riding through the valleys.
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Visit to Sinasos: The Church of Constantine and Helen and a traditional Greek house.
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Visit to the pottery village of Avanos and a ceramics workshop.
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Walking tour and lunch in Kadıköy (Chalcedon) on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Testimonials
M.K. & P.R. “As we’ve said before, the experience takes on a whole new meaning with you! We are grateful to have met you and we love you very much. Continue to appear as you are and be as you appear! Namaste.”
L. T. “An exceptional experience; this will surely be just the beginning. Fotini is outstanding, and the organization was flawless. Thank you so much!”
G.T. “This was my first contact with yoga, and combined with Cappadocia, I found it exceptional! I am filled with positive emotions!”
S.K. “What I am experiencing is magical. Yoga with an amazing teacher who is, above all, a beautiful person and soul, in a sacred place. Deeply moving.”
M.P. “I feel so much better—I feel truly renewed. This is all thanks to a well-organized trip, the yoga, and the wonderful energy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
A.N. & S.X. “Every yoga retreat with Fotini and Petros is a unique experience, but the Cappadocia retreat was truly special! Full of unique experiences, enchanting landscapes, and wonderful memories. Fotini and Petros, we thank you from our hearts.”
M.A. “Once again, it was magical and unique. I am returning with beautiful images, full of energy and so much joy!!! Thank you for everything and I look forward to our next meeting. Many kisses, Fotini and Petros!”
F.S. “We certainly gained ‘keys’ that will be very useful on many levels!!! Thank you so much Fotini and Petros. Honestly grateful to have met you and to have been part of this beautiful organization in Cappadocia! To many more!”
R.M. “In such a short time we did so much—only Fotini and Petros could organize a retreat so perfectly that it truly had everything. Congratulations!”
E.M. “Rx: Fotini + Petros, 1g, but 1,000 times Cappadocia. Signa: One dose every 2-3 months is good for mental health. we had a wonderful time. The best is yet to come… Cuba 2023!”
E. T. “I feel nothing but gratitude for being part of this amazing group!! Living unique experiences in an incredible and energetically charged place like Cappadocia!!! Doing yoga in a magical place like the Caravanserai, listening to the sounds of the Ney flute… the peace I felt in my soul for the first time was the most exciting moment of my journey. A big thank you to Fotini, Petros, and Eva for giving us this experience.”
A.B. “Magical Mystical Adventure. I could not imagine that a yoga retreat could combine all these things. From watching the sunset from hot air balloons to visiting underground cities, ancient sites, and doing yoga in the spiritual center of Rumi (Dervish place). Thank you Fotini and thanks Petros for the superb organization, and thanks to our amazing and knowledgeable tour guide Eva. An experience not to be missed!!!”
K.R. “An unrepeatable experience, this journey to Cappadocia. The organization was amazing. Fotini and Petros give their best and anticipate every need. Fotini’s yoga was, as always, exceptional. Thank you. No one should miss this retreat!!!”
N.T. “Images from otherworldly, hauntingly beautiful landscapes in Cappadocia! Every day was full of experiences and an introduction to the mysticism of the East. The hot air balloons at sunrise were a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as was the practice at sunset in the valleys. Congratulations, our dear Fotini and Petros, for traveling us through this fairytale oriental setting. Gratitude for allowing us to become initiates of these experiences.”
Z.F. “A brand-new experience for me. I am filled with images, unforgettable moments, joy, and wellness. I met beautiful people. Thank you so much, Fotini and Petros, for showing me this way of vacationing. Until we meet again on another journey.”
F.P. “A wonderful experience!! Personally, I don’t want to leave. I’m leaving a ‘balance’ for a future opportunity to repeat it. Thank you Petros, Fotini, and Eva. See you on our next travels!”
S.S. “A wonderful journey to another era, with incredible yoga classes in magnificent places and landscapes. A warm atmosphere from wonderful hosts.”
M.M. “A wonderful trip. A deeply emotional practice at the Dervish Caravanserai that filled me with moved feelings. Fotini and Petros, thank you for the experience.”
M.A. “A wonderful experience! A wonderful Teacher!! And human being!! Thank you for everything, Petros and Fotini!!!”
M.I. “Another wonderful retreat with Fotini and Petros. They traveled us to Cappadocia, a magical place that left us with indelible memories. Fotini is exactly what her name implies [Luminous]—she lights up the world around her—and Petros is the rock that supports her. Thank you and see you again!”
A.G. “An amazing destination! Traveling with you is a truly unique experience. We had a great time and gathered beautiful images. I am truly thankful for the chance to meet such wonderful people in person!”
D.A. “At the top, as always. Fotini, you are exceptional as always!!! Petros, you are exceptional as always!!! The top is the only place that suits you!!! Congratulations Fotini and Petros, Petros and Fotini. May you always be healthy, strong, and loved!!!”
